Control mechanism for adjustable seats



April 5 l937 v l LE GRAND s.l wHEpoN 2,076,309

CONTROL MECHANISVM FOR ADJUSTABLE SEATS Filed July 27, 1956 AA [6 ,N 66

26 4a 9o 19 8o NQ 2% INVENTORV M 'l W05 60? 05 Leammswnedon, v BY ATTORNEYS UNITED STATI-:s

PATENT OFFICE CONTROL MECHANISM FO ADJUSTABLE SEATS Le Grand S. Whedon, Medina, N. Y. Application July 27, 1936, Serial No. 92,737

10 Claims.

This invention relates to an adjustable seat installation for vehicles, or other structures, and it has particular relation to an improved supporting and operating mechanism for a seat installation wherein seat supporting members, in-

cluding the seat bottom can be relatively moved to conform readily to various positions desired by persons of various heights, weights, or other physical characteristics or preferences that might require either average or special, seating arrangements.

The improved adjusting and supporting mechanism to which the invention is directed involves improvements over the type of seat installation wherein an occupant while seated can adjust the elements of the seat supporting structure to provide bodily movement of the seat in upward or downward swinging movements, and further the invention provides for substantially direct forward and rearward adjustment with respect to the changing or horizontal position of the seat.

One of the principal features of the invention is exemplified in an arrangement of channel-like guides for receiving slides at each side oi' the seat structure to obviate tendencies of binding among the parts, and the correlation of this arrangement with adjusting mechanism for controlling a plurality of phases of adjustment of the structure.

The invention is also concerned with an improved adjusting mechanism wherein a unit serves for adjusting more than one feature of the structure in a plurality of phases of adjustment.

In the drawing: l

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a seat supporting and adjusting installation constructed according to the invention:

Fig. 2 is a partial side elevation, on a larger scale, from the side of the structure opposite that shown in Fig. 1, and with portions broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 3 is a partial elevation, on a larger scale, and illustrating the inner side of seat supporting and adjusting mechanism, an intermediate portion of the structure being shown in section.

Fig. 4 is a cross-section, on a larger scale, taken substantially along the line IV-IV of Fig. 2, with the cross-section position shown according to the broken line position of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a cross-section, on a larger scale, taken substantially along the line V-V of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of an alternate form of latching device for the structure.

In practicing the invention `a seat structure l0 y the base I2 and the entire seat structure can be tilted forwardly about the pivotal connections I3. Front and rear links 20 and22 of channel form at each side of the seat structure have pivotal 10` connections 23, such as bolts vor pins, securing them to the lower rear portion of the frame members i4 and have upper pivotal connections 25 securing them between the sides of downwardly opening channels 26. A rigid brace 2l rigidly l5 connecting the rear links 22 has its opposite end portions extending through one channel side 28 of the link and abuts the adjacent side 29 of this link. The brace is rigidly Asecar-:eti to the link sides by welding, or the like. 20

One end of a tension spring 3U is provided with an end hook 32 which is connected about a pin 33 anchored transversely in the mies 2l` and 29 of one of the rearl links 22 adjacent the upper end of the latter. Sleeves or washers 35 are dis- 25 posed about the pin 33 and the hook is centered between them at an intermediate portion of the pin.

The other end of the spring 3|! is also provided with a hook 36 which is mounted about one 30 oi the lower front pivotal connections 23 which is in the form of a pin, and an adjacent web portion of the front channel link 20 is fonned with a slot 31 to facilitate the mounting of the spring end about the pin 23. The spring-30 is normally 35 under tension and resists movement of the links from the full line position to the broken line position illustrated in Fig. 2; that is, the spring constantly urges the links toward an upright position.

It will be observed that the spring 3l is suhstan- 40.

tially enclosed by the opposed upper and lower channels adjacent one side of the structure and in the lower position of the upper channels 26 (Figs. 2 and 4).

The inner side of each upper channel 26 is pro- 45 vided with a recess 40 into which the transverse brace partially enters to permit unobstructed movement of the links to their lower positions, and a similar notch 4| in one of the lower channel members I4 permits proper movement of other 50 structure to be described.

Sliding channels 42 at opposite sides of the seat structure open downwardly and partially embrace the sides of channels 26. Portions voi the sides oi.' the channels 42 are partially cut 55 away or narrowed, as indicated at l5, to provide for free sliding action of the channels 42 upon the channels 26 within predetermined limits, and

to provide stops d1 which limit the sliding move- 5 ment by engagement thereof with the upper pivotal connections 25. Lower portions of the sliding channels 42 also are provided with inwardly turned anges 50 which underlap the lower edges of the channels 26 to prevent separation of these l0 channels. However, there is sumcient channel side for slidable engagement from end to end of l each sliding channel l2 with the sides of the channels 2t.

An adjusting link 8@ is pivotally secured at its lower end by means of the pivotal connection 2li that carries one of the rear links upon the lower supporting channel frame i6 at one side of thej seat structure, and the upper end of the adjusting link is secured by means of a pivot pin S2 in a downwardly opening channel slide t3 which is slidable longitudinally in the upper channel 26 between the pivotal connections 25, and is maintained against downward displacement by means of inwardly turned iianges td formed upon the lower side portions or the channel 2t. These iianges et are similar in formation and function to the flanges 5d. (Figs. and 5).

An inner channel side contiguous with a side 66 of the channel slide @il has a notch or slot 6l 30 cut therein through its lower edge and the channel slide 53 has a series of notches or slots Se formed in its lower edge, any one of which is registerable with the notch Si, depending upon the position of the slide as it is moved longitudinally in the channel.

A locking device 1li including a, lever 12 is rotatably mounted intermediately in the downwardly extending sides of the channel 26, and the inner end of a horizontal portion 13 of the lever has a head 15 rigidly mounted thereon. Ears 'id on the horizontal shaft portion 13 adjacent the outer side of the channel 26 prevents outward shifting of the lever in the channel sides.

A lug 16 extending rigidly and radially of the head 15 is disposed between a pair of lugs 11 and 18 formed rigidly upon inner end portions of latches 19 and 80 that are rotatably mounted upon the horizontal lever portion 13 between the inner side of the channel and the head 15. End

portions 82 and 83 of the latches adjacent the ,lug 11 and 18, respectively, are spaced on opposite sides of the group of lugs, 16, 11, and 18, and it should be understood that all of these lugs and endportions are spaced from the axis of the horizontal shaft portion 13. Opposite end portions of a tension spring 85 are secured, as indicated at 86 and 81, to the latch end portions 82 and 83, respectively, and the spring which is normally under tension, constantly tends to pivot the i latches in opposite directions, or, as viewed in Fig. 3, the outer ends of the latches are constantly urged upwardly.

An angular finger 88 formed rigidly upon vthe outer end of the latch 19 is movable in the notch 61 and into a' registering notch 68 to lock the adjusting slide 63 in various positions in the o channel 26, whereby the links 20, 22, together with the channels can be locked in various positions between the full line position and the broken line position of the structure shown in Fig. 3. By rocking the lever 12 in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, the lug 16 engages the lug 11 and pivots the latch to withdraw the nger 88 from the notches. Upon releasing the lever 12 the spring 85 forces the latch in the opposite direction into locking relation with the notches.

The outer end of the other latch is provided with a locking nger 80 which is disposed in a notch or slot S2 formed in the inner side of the channel 26 and is movable therein to engage in any of a series of notches d3 formed. in the lower edge of the inner side of the downwardly opening sliding channel d2 which partially embraces the upper channel 2t adjacent the side of the seat structure.

By rocking the lever l2 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 3) the lug 16 strikes the lug 1d and pivots the latch l to withdraw the finger dit from the registering notches 92 and 93. As soon as the lever is released the spring Se pivots the latch into engaging position with these notches. Each latch it, t@ is independently pivotablc. as the lug it moves the lug 11 to pivot the latch le, the lug d3 remains stationary andthe tension oi' the spring @t is increased to urge the finger 9U more firmly into its locking relation. In the same manner, the lug 11 remains stationary while the lug il@ moves the lug i3.

It will be noted that the portion of the downwardly extending side of the channel l2 in which the notches are formed has its lower edge terminating short oi the upper ends of the notches Si and 5t, in order that there can be no possibility of the nger tt accidentally engaging in any of the notches Sll, and in the lower` position oi the upper channel member 26, the ilnger til has space for proper downward manipulation by virtue of the notch di.

The upper opposite end portions of the sliding channels l2 are provided with outwardly stamped recessedA bosses 95 through which fastening devices 86, such as screws or bolts, are rigidly secured to the seat bottom frame 91 to complete the assembly of the seat installation.

Referring to the modication shown in Fig. 6, the lever l2 is provided with a resilient locking strip lill! rigidly secured thereto, as indicated at m2, and is provided with a plurality of substantially parallel portions m3 connected by reversing curved portions HB5. Opposite end portions of the strip spring are provided with locking ngers W6 and itl, corresponding to the fingers 88 and 9B, and are adapted to engage in the notches 61, 63 and 92, 63 in substantially the same relation. When the lever is rocked in a clockwise direction the finger 06 is urged more firmly into'locking engagement and the nger lill is withdrawn from locking engagement. The resiliency of the strip permits distortion of one end portion thereof While the other end portion is heilig withdrawn from the notches and upon release of the lever the withdrawn finger under iniluence of spring resiliency is immediately and automatically forced back into locking engagement.

Thus as the links 20, 22 are pivoted between their limits of movement they can be locked by locking the adjustable slide 63 in various. positions in the manner described. Likewise, the forward and rearward adjustment of the seat bottom upon the channels 26, 42 can be accomplished by releasing the finger and sliding the channels 42 together with the seat carried thereon, to the position desired before again releasing the lever to lock them.

Although only illustrative structure has been speciiically shown and described it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited but that various changes lil can be made therein without departing from the spirit oi' the invention or i'rom the scope of the appended claims.

I claim: 1. In a .seat structure, a frame, a movable mechanism supporting the frame and being movable therewith, a support upon which the mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottomy carriedupon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, an adjusting device having rst means adjustably connecting said device to the movable mechanism and having second means adjustably connecting said device to the seat bottom, and a single actuating means having connections with both oi.' said ilrst and second Vmeans and being selectively operable to determine either the adjusted position of the seat bottom with respect to said frame or the adjusted position of said movable mechanism.

2. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanism supporting the frame and being movable therewith, a support upon whichthe mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, an adjusting member pivotally connected to said frame, and a pair of latches pivotally connected upon saidl adjusting member, the latches and the adjusting member having means limiting relative pivotal movement of each latch in one direction, one of said latches having means selectively engageable with the movable mechanism for varying the relative position of said mechanism and frame, the other of said latches having means selectively engageabie with said seat bottomv for varying the relative position of said seat bottom and frame.

3. In a seat structure, va frame, movable mechanism supporting the frame and being movable therewith, a. support upon which the mechanism is mounted for movement, a seatI bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, an adjusting member pivotally connected to said frame, a pair of latches pivotally connected upon said adjusting member, the latches andthe adjusting member havingmeans limiting relative pivotal movement of each latch in one direction, one of said latches having means selectively engageabie with the movable mechanism for varying the relative` position of said mechanism and frame, the other of said latches having means selectively engageable with said seat bottom for varying the relative position of said seat bottom and frame, and resilient means connected to said latches and normally urging them into latching engagement with said seat bottom and mechanism. I

4. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanism supporting the frame and being movable therewith, a support upon' which said mechanism G0 is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, an adjusting member pivotally connected to said frame, a pair of latches pivotally mounted intermediate their ends upon said adjusting 65 member, a stop upon said adjusting member disposed between portions of the latches, and a resilient member connected adjacent one end of each latch and normally urging portions of each latch toward said stop, one of said latches 70 having means selectively engageable with the movable mechanism for varying the relative position of said mechanism and frame, the other of said latches having means selectively engageabie with said seat bottom for varying the` relative 75 position of said seat bottom and frame.

5. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanism supporting said frame and 4being movable therewith, said i'rame including channel members, a support upon which said mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, said seat bottom including lchannel slides interiltting in telescoping relation with said channel members, said movable. mechanism and one of said channel members including means having registerable openings, an adjusting member pivotally mounted upon one or said channel members, a pair of latches pivotally connected upon said adjusting member, the latches and adjusting member having means limiting relative pivotal movement of each latch in one direction, one of said latches having means selectively engageable with said registerable opening for varying the relative position of said mechanism and frame, the other of said latches having means `selectively engageable with said seat bottom for varying the relative position of said seat bottom and frame.

6. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanisin supporting said frame and being movable therewith, said frame including channel members, a support upon which said mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, said seat bottom including channel slides interfltting in telescoping relation with said channel members, one of said channel members and one of said channel slides having registerable recesses in contiguous sides thereof, an adjusting member pivotally mounted upon one of said channel members, a pair of latches pivotally connected upon said adjusting member, the latches and the adjusting member having means .limiting relative pivotal movement of each latch in one direction, one of said latches having means selectively engageabie with said registerable recesses for varying the relative position of said seat bottom and frame, said movable mechanism and one of said channel members including means having registerable openings, the other of said latches having means selectively engageable in said registerable openings for varying the relative position of said mechanism and frame.

7. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanism supporting said frame and being movable therewith, said frame including downwardly opening channel members, a support upon which Said. mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, said seat bottom including downwardly opening channel slides straddling said downwardly opening channel members, one of said channel members and one of said slide members having registerable recesses in contiguous sides thereof, an adjustable member pivotally mounted upon one of said channel members, a pair of latches pivotally connected upon said adjusting member, the latches and the adjusting member having means limiting relative pivotal movement of each latch in one direction, one of said latches having means selectively engageabie with registerable `recesses for varying the relative position of said seat bottom and frame,vthe other of said latches having means selectively engageable with said movable mechanism for varying the relative position of said mechanism and frame.

8. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanism Supporting said frame and being movable therewith, said frame including downwardly opening channel members, a support upon which said mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, said seat bottom including channel slides intertting in telescoping relation with said channel members, said mechanism including upwardly opening channel members parallel to and facing the downwardly opening channel members, said mechanism further including parallel links pivotally connected to and spacing the upper andv lower channel members in various positions of movement in parallelism, a resilient member connected at one end in the upper channel member and at the other end in the lower channelmember and normally urging the links toward an upright position, whereby upon movement of the channel members toward each other the resilient member is substantially housed in the channel members to which it is connected, an adjusting device having rst means adjustably connecting said device to the movable mechanism and having a second means adjustably connecting said device to said seat bottom, and a single actuating means having connections With both of said rst and second means and being selectively operableto determine eitherthe adjusted position of the seat bottom with respect to said frame or the adjusted position of said movable mechanism.

9. In a seat structure, a frame, movable mechanism supporting the frame and being movable therewith, a, support upon which the mechanism is mounted for movement, a seat bottom carried upon the frame and being movable with respect thereto, an adjusting member pivotally connected to said frame, a pair of projecting resilient members connected rigidly to said adjusting member, one of said resilient members having means selectively engageable with the movable mechanism for varying the relative position of said mechanism and frame and being responsive to pivotal movement of the adjusting member in one direction for disengaging said one resilient member from the movable mechanism, the other of said resilient members having means selectively engageable with said seat bottom for varying the relative position of said seat bottom and frame and being responsive to' pivotal movement of the adjusting member in the other direction for disengaging said other resilient member from the seat bottom While said one resilient member is urged more firmly into engagement with said mechanism.

10. In a seat structure,l a frame having frame members extending adjacent opposite sides of the seat structure, a plurality of substantially parallel links pivotally connected to the frame members adjacent opposite sides .of the frame structure, supporting means for. pivotally supporting the links and, through the links, supporting the frame, said links being movable in parallelism from substantially horizontal positions to substantially vertical positions, resilient means connected to one of the links and to said supporting means and constantly exerting force tending to move the links toward a vertical position, an adjusting member pivotally connected to the supporting means and slidably engaging the frame, guiding means in the frame for slidably receiving a portion of the adjusting member, a seat bottom having parallel guides slidably supporting the seat bottom upon the frame adjacent opposite sides of the seat structure, said frame and adjusting member having a plurality of recesses registerable in response to relative sliding movement between the frame and adjusting member, said frame and one of said parallel guides having a plurality of recesses registerable in response to relative sliding movement between the frame and the latter parallel guide, a locking device mounted on said frame and having a first locking member selectively engageable with registerable recesses of the frame and adjusting member to lock them in any of a plurality of positions, said locking device having a second locking member selectively engageable with registerable recesses of the frame and said latter parallel guide to lock them in any of a plurality of relative positions, and an actuating member in said locking device selectively operable to actuate said iirst and second locking members.

LE GRAND S. WHEDON. 

